Matt Besler

Matt Besler is a centerback who has been a standout performer for Sporting Kansas City since joining the team in 2009. He was recently named captain of the club after the departure of Jimmy Nielsen.

US NATIONAL TEAM

Registering his first cap in January 2013, Besler made his first appearance in a World Cup qualifying match only two months later. In that game he was part of team that shutout Mexico in Estadio Azteca.

CLUB CAREER

Besler was drafted by his hometown club in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He has been a critical piece in the team's transformation from also ran to perennial contenders. He was named MLS Defender of the Year in 2012 and a year later he won the MLS Cup against Real Salt Lake.